An appeal is heard by an independent body, the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) - the government agency that is responsible for the appeals process in England and Wales (based in Bristol).

There are three procedures by which an appeal can proceed:

On the basis of written representations (with an expedited process for those proceeding through the Householder Appeals Service);

Informal hearing;

Public Inquiry.

The choice of procedure depends on the level of public interest and the complexity of the issues - the Planning Inspectorate (on behalf of the Secretary of State) has the power to determine the procedure.

The decision of the Planning Inspector is final - the case may only be taken to the High Court on a point of law.

The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) develop and manage The Planning Casework Service and currently covers the following types of appeals in England:

Access Restriction

Conservation Area Consent

Conservation Area Enforcement

Crown Land Enforcement

Enforcement

Lawful Development Certificate

Listed Building Consent

Listed Building Enforcement

Planning

This PINS on-line service lets users:

Submit the above types of appeal (and supporting documentation)

Search for cases on the system

Submit comments or supporting/required documents

Viewing an Appeal

The simplest way to search is by entering ‘Three Rivers District Council’ in the Local Planning Authority search criteria and click Search for Cases. You can also carry out the search by using the address of the appeal site or the appeal case reference number (which is in the form: APP/P1940/D/10/2128083)

You can then select your appeal from the list and view documents and the decision (if made). Please Note: Three Rivers District Council does not yet put appeal documents on Planning Online.